Coca-Cola Scales Back Plastic Reduction Goals, Drawing Global Criticism

The company reduces its recycling and reusable packaging targets, raising concerns from environmental groups over its commitment to sustainability.

Coca-Cola has revised its sustainability targets, now aiming for 35-40% recycled plastic in packaging by 2035, down from its earlier goal of 50% by 2030.
The company also adjusted its recycling pledge from recovering the equivalent of every bottle sold by 2030 to collecting 70-75% of bottles and cans annually, with no set timeline.
Coca-Cola has quietly removed its 2022 commitment to sell 25% of its drinks in reusable packaging by 2030, a move criticized by environmental groups as backtracking on sustainability.
Environmental organizations, including Oceana and Break Free From Plastic, have condemned the changes, accusing Coca-Cola of greenwashing and failing to address its role as the world’s top plastic polluter for six consecutive years.
The announcement coincides with stalled negotiations on a global plastics treaty, where nations remain divided on limiting plastic production versus focusing on waste management.